Early Beginnings
In 1837, Charles Mears arrived at White Lake via the Old Channel with a vision that would shape the future of the region. Initially planning to build his water-powered sawmill at Silver Creek, Mears instead established his operation on what is now known as the Lyons Den or Mill Pond in South Whitehall. This strategic location leveraged the area’s abundant pine forests and accessible waterways, crucial for transporting and processing timber.
Mears purchased significant land, including parts of modern-day Whitehall, from Captain Hanson. By 1859, he had plotted out the Village of Mears, which would later be renamed Whitehall. Water power was the only practical energy source available at the time, allowing Mears to efficiently haul logs into the mill and saw them into boards.
Expansion and Innovation
The Mears water-powered mill was not the only one in the area; it was among a total of five water mills, with the first steam mill being built by Reverend William Montague Ferry at the mouth of White Lake and Duck Lake. This period marked the peak of lumbering activity in the region, with extensive operations that included boarding houses and barns for oxen and horses.
The Wilcox Steam Mill, constructed in 1881 on the site of Mears’ original mill, was one of the last mills built in the area. This extensive mill was notable for being built on piles 300 feet out into the lake, handling up to 20 million feet of logs in the river in 1881. This development represented the transition from purely water-powered mills to more advanced steam-powered operations.
Legacy and Impact
Mears’ efforts laid the foundation for Whitehall’s development, turning it into a hub of industrial activity. The innovative use of water power and strategic land acquisitions not only boosted the local economy but also set a precedent for future industrial ventures in the region. Today, the history of Mears’ mill stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of early settlers who harnessed the natural resources of White Lake to build a thriving community.
Interactive White Lake History
As we deliver articles weekly, I challenge you to be curious, explore the local area, and take pictures at these historic locations, and tag CatchMark Community.
Next week we will explore White River School District Six – 1870. If you enjoy history and like our content please like and subscribe to our online resources. Also, check out the White Lake Area Historical Society website listed below.
http://www.whitelakeareahistoricalsociety.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CatchMarkCommunity
